Work on Qatar’s World Cup mega-projects has continued apace despite tough social distancing rules to stem the spread of coronavirus among the largely migrant workforce.
Event Location
Qatar , Qatar
Start Time
26 April 2020, 12:00 AM
End Time
30 April 2020, 12:00 AM
Building work for the stadiums and infrastructure to stage the tournament has continued through the crisis even as non-essential retail has been halted and mosques, parks and restaurants have closed, AFP correspondents reported on Thursday.
Dozens of vehicles including buses, diggers and water tankers criss-crossed the complex of new parks, apartment blocks and tram stops around the Lusail stadium, which will become Qatar's largest with a capacity of 80,000.
The number of confirmed infections among those involved in construction for 2022 facilities stands at eight across three stadium projects, but organisers have not given an updated toll since last Friday.
The supreme committee responsible for delivering the tournament said it "is reviewing the situation on a continuous basis and will take the necessary measures to protect the health and safety of all construction workers and direct staff".
From last Sunday onwards, the labour ministry made it compulsory for all construction workers in Qatar to wear masks.
Previously crowded buses ferrying labourers between their accommodation and work sites have been ordered to only allow one passenger for every two seats, in order to limit the transmission risk.
The labour ministry said last week it had issued a penalty to a contractor for failing to operate its worker transport buses at 50 percent capacity.
Qatar coronavirus updates Qatar coronavirus newsworldcup stadium construction
